“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
So says cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. Advertisers use Valentine’s Day to promote cards, chocolates, candlelight and roses–even expensive jewelry.
Today, Valentine’s Day is big business. In 2026, sales are projected to reach 29 billion.
Valentine’s day was actually named for a Christian martyr dating back to the 5th century, but according to Arnie Seipel in an essay for NPR, its origins are dark and bloody even, beginning with the wild and crazy Romans back then and their feast of Lupercalia.
During the Middle Ages, lovers expressed their emotions with handmade paper cards. In the 14th century Chaucer helped romanticize the holiday with his love quotes like “love is blind” from The Canterbury Tales and his Parlement of Foules, featuring an assembly of birds gathered to choose their mates. From the Renaissance to the Victorian Age and beyond, poets wrote sonnets extolling romantic love: Shakespeare, known especially during this season for Sonnet # 116. Later, in the Victorian Age, Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned her famous lines “How do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways” in Sonnet # 43.
Remember the candy hearts from school days? Here updated by social media.
Novelist and screenwriter Laura Esquivel wrote Like Water for Chocolate (1989), a novel that fits the season. It is a story of magical realism set in Mexico during the 1910 revolution, exploring love, tradition, and culinary passion. The plot follows Tita, forbidden to marry her love, Pedro, due to a family tradition, who instead channels her intense emotions into cooking, causing magical effects on those who eat her food.
The Conflict: Tita’s Mother, Mama Elena, forces her, Tita, to abide by a tradition in which the youngest daughter cares for her mother until death, forcing her love, Pedro, to marry her sister, Rosaura, to stay near her.
It’s an echo of the story of the sisters Rachel and Leah in the book of Genesis. In this narrative, Jacob loved the beautiful Rachel, but was tricked by their father Laban into marrying Leah—first, because it was tradition for the older to be married before the younger. It is a story of jealousy, rivalry, and in the end, divine providence, according to Genesis 29, in the Old Testament.
Recently, I found the author, Laura Esquivel, appearing on the PBS cooking show, Pati’s Mexican Table in January 2026. (Screenshots from video)
As Chef Pati and Laura visit, the author explains how cooking enhances her writing.
When the chef and author share a snack, Laura discusses how she alternates between kitchen and writing space during the day.
She admits that cooking is a counterpoint to her writing, especially if she gets stuck, or needs inspiration as she pens a play or a novel.
Apparently, Laura Esquivel and I both turn to cooking or baking as a counterpoint to writing. Last week, cooking, which often inspires me to continue writing projects, became a crutch. Sadly, a way to procrastinate. You see, I wanted to begin compiling my poetry collection, but I couldn’t seem to find a way in . I dilly-dallied, finding excuses to delay “biting the bullet” and actually beginning. True, cooking in my kitchen didn’t replace sitting on my writing chair, but at least I did end up with a tasty dish–sustenance, something flavorful and new.
Here’s how I began in my kitchen.
I tuned in to Vivian Howard’s PBS show, with a demo of recipe, slaw with raw beets.
I like Chef Vivian Howard’s show because she is funny and frequently includes snafus as she cooks. Making a recipe, she often makes a mess on the counter as she mixes ingredients. Last week, she ate a mouthful of hot oatmeal with apples before it cooled. She started laughing at first, but then gasped as she ran to the sink because she scorched her mouth. (The producers cut to a “Technical Difficulties” sign.)
She is like Julia Child in that way. Remember the flopped chicken on the floor? Yet, along with Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain, Vivian Howard is the only other chef to win the coveted Peabody Award.
I assembled the Ingredients for Chef Howard’s Slaw Recipe
Below is the mixture, before I stirred the topping of apples, beets, scallions, with mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, cider vinegar, orange zest, and ginger with fresh mint on top.
The recipe calls for grated raw sweet potato, but I baked large sweet potatoes separately and used the mixture above as a topping. Baking was a good excuse to crank up my oven in cold weather.
Back to Mexican author Laura Esquivel and me . . .
Laura Esquivel and I both turn to cooking or baking as a counterpoint to writing. Last week, cooking, which often inspires me to continue writing projects, became a crutch. Sadly, you see, I was procrastinating.
Over the years, I have been writing haiku as I feel inspired. Other authors, have challenged me to try other poetic forms like tanka and shadorma. Indeed, I have wanted to begin compiling my poetry collection, but I couldn’t seem to find a way in. I kept finding excuses to delay “biting the bullet” and actually beginning. Obviously cooking in my kitchen didn’t replace sitting on my writing chair, but I did end up with a tasty dish–sustenance, plus something flavorful and new, inspired by Chef Vivian Howard, above.
Fits and Starts: An Update on My Process on My Poetry Book
Last Friday, I took a walk in our neighborhood’s preserve. Lo, and behold, the motion of my arms and legs picking my way among the magnolias and pines on the trail got my brain to start churning out an outline. Just as I hoped. True, the outline is simple and basic, but it’s getting me beyond the “stuck” feeling.
I even worked on a title. Here are two: Haiku that Hug the Heart
Poems from Nature, Humans, and Time & Memory
Not liking either of them.
I could use some help here. Any ideas?
Do you alternate between one activity and another as you go through your day?
If you are a writer, what serves as a counterpoint to your work with words?
Other comments welcome too, Thank you!
Good morning, Marian!
I often procrastinate with cooking and baking–probably more so in the past. I don’t watch cooking shows, but I did used to love Julie Child’s show. I think though, you have to step away from writing/compiling sometimes. Sometimes I get ideas when I’m cooking. And you know, I love walking.
When I was trying to come up with a title for my recent poetry collection, Held Inside the Folds of Time, a poet/editor suggested to me to look for a phrase or line of poetry in the collection that might work. But, she said, put the poem the title comes from in the middle of the collection! Hope that helps, Marian!
Yes, I’m not surprised that you say cooking and walking sometimes gives you the spark you need to continue writing.
Thanks for the tip about a title, Merril. I like that your title came from within your collection, an organic way for a title to originate. I’ll look for it when I read your poems again. 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! 😊
I too often turn to cooking or baking when I get stuck or tired of writing. The beet salad looks good. I liked the alliteration of the first title but agree the second one doesn’t work. Good luck on your poetry collection.
Thanks for expressing your opinion about my title choices, Darlene. The first one feels a little sentimental to me and the second one is just bad–ha!
And I’m not surprised that you turn to the kitchen when you need a change from writing. 😀
Marian, many years ago, I read and loved LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE. So how lovely to see it mentioned here.
So glad you’re working on your poetry book. Since many poetry books have lyrical titles (like a friend’s recent book, YOU AND I ARE STARS AND NIGHT and Merril’s book mentioned above), perhaps imagery from one of your poems might work?
Hope you and Cliff have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
You are the only person so far who has read and enjoyed LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE. Brava!
Thanks for the suggestion to include imagery from one of the poems in the collection. And, thanks for the Valentine wishes too! 😀
I love it that you are working on a poetry collection, Marian. Maybe you could write a poem about the subject of this blog post, Distractions, and embed it in the middle of your book as Merrill’s friend suggested.
Shirley, I can count on you for the very best ideas. I do like the idea of embedding a haiku about distractions in the collection. Huge thanks–I’m glad I posed the question about my next steps! 😀
Marian, we must be soul sisters, as I too, turn to baking as an alternative to writing! I did just that yesterday, making English muffins before I turned to my translation project! Never made them from scratch before, but they are really good!
I’m glad to hear you are still creative in so many ways: baking, writing blog posts–and doing translation, I assume from Russian or German to Englishl, or vice versa. (Maybe others!)
Yes, of course, we are soul sisters, Elfrieda! 😀
I‘m translating from German to English. It‘s easier than most I’ve done as it‘s a family history, already typed and not in the old Gothic script.
Impressive, Elfrieda!
How wonderful that you’re working on your poetry book! Sometimes a title comes after the poems are written and you’re rereading them in the process of determining how to sequence them. Or you can always trust that serendipity will pop the title into your head. Please keep us posted on your progress!
How fortunate to glean ideas from other writers, including you, Liz. As a seasoned poet and non-fiction author, I value your suggestions. Thanks so very much! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! I’ve found that the best ideas come from these casual conversations.
You’re right! I have gotten great suggestions from you and others posting here. 😀
I am so not ready for Valentine’s Day. I feel like it’s still barely January! How fast is time flying.
Of course, you are not ready for Valentine’s Day. You’ve been busy publishing and promoting your next book Balance of Nature in the series of prehistoric man, Man versus Nature.
Readers: Here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244478115-balance-of-nature
I can see how cooking would be a nice balance to writing. Something that allows our minds to go somewhere else for a time can be very effective. I like to exercise before writing, which seems to spark creativity. Best of luck with your poetry book, Marian.
Thanks for the good wishes, Pete.
I walk every day and do Pilates about twice a week. It all helps to get ideas circulating! 😀
My father was Longenecker on one side and Metzler on the other, and I was curious with Valentine Metzler’s 300th birthday coming up, where his Bible is?
Randall, thanks for commenting on my blog today. I don’t think I can be much help in finding the answer to your question about Valentine Metzler’s Bible, but I can direct you to a Facebook page that may give you more information: https://www.facebook.com/descendantsvalentinemetzler
Best wishes!
Your somewhat altered Vivian’s dish was surprisingly great (since I like beets, but they are not often on my grocery list) and interesting–somewhat sweet, somewhat sour, but tasty. Your efforts were appreciated two or three times later.
Hope you have a nice Valentine’s Day…with me! 🙂
Thanks for your comment as eye-witness observer and super taster. I may make the recipe again–but not too soon! <3
I admire you for working on poetry. Hang in there! You seem to do a lot of research even on your blog posts! I tend to write what comes to mind. Have you read Kate Baer’s poetry? I kind of know her through various friends, although I’ve never met her. I have one book by her. It is not long, and that’s the nice thing about poetry maybe! I also have an acquaintance who sends out a poem about every month to my email. Next time he sends me one of his, I may send it to you if I think it’s good. 🙂 As far as I know he hasn’t tried to do a book or collection like that. Anyway, best wishes!
I appreciate the compliment, Melodie. I have always liked research; it seems to satisfy my curiosity. Now I’m into new recipes, something you’ve “perfected” over the years with your recipe books. 😀
Yes, I am curious about Kate Baer’s poetry. Her name rings a bell somehow. Yes, go ahead, and send me the poem you were referring to. I like to look at new authors anyway.
Thanks again for adding to the conversation here! ((( )))
Kate grew up in Pa., like you. She’s on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Baer
And the guy I mentioned, I can’t find his last poem but I’ll try to share one in the future.
I knew her name seemed familiar. I have read two of her works, And Yet and also I Hope This Finds You Well with link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5812823903 I was in a brain fog when I read your comment the first time. Ha!
Thanks for the Wikipedia link, Melodie. I see she lives in Hummelstown, PA, where my Great Uncle Joe and family used to live. I notice she is also an alumna of EMU.
I.love that movie! Tried to get my new hubby to watch it, but he fell 😴 And yes, I too alternate between cooking and writing.
Thanks for letting us know about your experience with viewing “Like Water for Chocolate.” My hubby likes movies with happy endings–unless it’s a “man” movie with shooting and car crashes. It’s good to know about your writing process, Linda! 😀
I’m a little embarrassed! I did not know about your book of poetry you are writing. I’m sorry. I remember you were considering a fictional novel, but grounded in a lifestyle, history you were already familiar with! I’m happy for you, Marian! You’ve got me thinking about what I do as I switch between writing and…..? Let me get back to you on that, hahaha. 😊 I know I wish I had a passion for cooking like you do. It is a form of creativity for sure. And as for Valentine’s Day, I do still have this crazy-colored parrot he gave me on our first Valentine’s Day date and I always bring it out and put it somewhere to mark the occasion, and guess what? I get chocolate!!!! Yum.
No need to feel embarrassed, Melanie! Last year I announced I might try a novel (no-go!) This is the first time I mentioned a book of poetry.
About alternating cooking and writing. I think we go through stages. Up till now, cooking has sometimes felt like a chore, but then I saw some cooking shows on PBS: These dishes are the result of shows I saw. Thanks for telling us about your tradition with the crazy-colored parrot–unique for sure!
After I posted that, I realized that I should clarify that the parrot is a stuffed animal! It would be weird to keep a live one in the closet all year, haha. And thanks for making me feel better that you just announced your WIP today. 😊
Actually, I visualized the parrot as artificial, not real. Still, it’s seems like a unique gift—very colorful too!
I thought I responded but maybe not! This is one of my all-time favorite books! This was a reminder that I never saw the movie even though I always had it on my list. Will be waiting for your poetry book!
Carol, I guess we both need to see the movie, probably rentable on Prime Video or Netflix.
The poetry book may take a while.Ha! Thanks for connecting here–once again. 😀
What a fun post surrounding Valentine’s Day. Based on Cliff’s comment above, he seemed to enjoy your cooking creation immensely. 😊 Congrats to you for creating a new poetry book. My advice about the title is to wait until you’re chapters and outline are complete and you’ll have a better rounded idea of what you want the title to denote. Hugs 🥰
I thought you started your vacation, but here you are, Debby!
Of course, I should wait on the title. My memoir titles didn’t emerge until near the end either. Why should this poetry collection be any different. Thanks for the confirmation! 😀
Umm, brownies and vacuuming. These seem to be my ‘go-to’ when I want to write but can’t get my rear in the writing seat. Today, I taught a creative writing class in the morning (always inspires me) but came home and saw the dust bunnies. Soooo, the vacuuming is now done, but it’s more fun to read your post than to work on mine! I really like Merril’s idea of finding a perfect poetry title.
Pam, I admire your work as a writing teacher and a writer & author yourself. (But, of course!)
My cleaning has devolved into a “gasp and dust” scenario. Cliff usually does the floors, except for the bathrooms. And I dust. I hate dusting, but if the sunshine spots dust bunnies, I simply have to make a move—ha!
Darn that sunshine. But wait. We LOVE sunshine. 🙂 I have allergies to dust/dust mites, so I bring a lot of tissue when I dust. Achoo!
You’re a hoot, Pam.
Thanks for giving me another reason to hate dusting! 😀
Hi Marian, this article is very relatable to me. I cook and bake when I am stressed as it is very calming for me. I say it’s not procrastination because everyone has to eat 😂. All the best with the poetry collection. I just take my poems that have a common thread and put them into a book.
You are a master in so many arts–and genres. I do value your advice. Thanks, Robbie! 😀